Cotswold Way

Cotswold Way

A magnificent trail showcasing the world-famous Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

4 to 16 nights
26-102 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £500 per person

Find your holiday

About the trail

The Cotswold Way covers 102 miles along the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, from the old wool town of Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath. Unlike our Circular Walks in the Cotswolds, the Cotswold Way cuts south along the Cotswold escarpment, showcasing varied terrain and unforgettable views from atop its heights.

Along its length, this walking holiday encounters tranquil woodlands and sheltered valleys dotted with welcoming towns, villages and hamlets. Each settlement boasts insights into the region’s fascinating past, while the surrounding landscapes also feature a wealth of historical landmarks such as hill forts, castles and ancient battle sites.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Choose your route

  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Cotswold Way
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Cotswold Way - South Section
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Cotswold Way - North Section
  • Cotswold Way Short Break

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

About this route

4 to 8 nights
55 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £500 per person

Cotswold Way - South Section

The South section of the Cotswold Way begins in Painswick and travels along the Cotswold escarpment to the World Heritage-listed city of Bath. Along with stunning scenery, the trail takes in a variety of picturesque villages, including King’s Stanley and Wotton-under-Edge, where the buildings have remained virtually unchanged since the Victorian period.

The area’s rich history can also be explored at Sodbury Fort, as well as in the city of Bath. The city is famed for its historical architecture and Roman bath houses, making this the perfect finishing point for the Cotswold Way.

This route can be walked in the opposite direction upon request. Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Walking the Cotswold Way with Contours Walking Holidays

Outdoor Journalist Damian Hall takes a walk from Chipping Campden to the Heritage Listed City of Bath, along one of the most quintessentially English trails in the country.
Watch Now

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
COTWS1 From Painswick to Bath 4 nights, 3 days walking Demanding / Strenuous £500
COTWS2 From Painswick to Bath 5 nights, 4 days walking Demanding £620
COTWS3 From Painswick to Bath 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate £740
COTWS4 From Painswick to Bath 8 nights, 7 days walking Easy / Moderate £980

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
COTWSB From Dowdeswell(L) to King's Stanley(L) 4 nights, 3 days walking Moderate £500

Customer reviews from the Cotswold Way - South Section

“I just wish to thank you for the splendid organisation for this long distance path. Superb instruction in your pack made finding the overnight accommodation easy. Many thanks for your support.”
Mr Wood, UK
“Very lucky with the weather on an excellent walking route.”
Mr Porteous, UK
“Best holiday my wife and I have had in many years. No visiting with family or grandchildren. We had a destination each day to walk to and plenty of hours to accomplish the daily goal.”
Mr Ingledew, Canada
“Everything was well organized and accommodations were all good. The people we met on the trail were friendly and helpful. We had such a positive experience… The views were breath-taking.”
Mr Hayes, USA
“We had a wonderful time!”
Mrs Dodridge, Canada
“Thanks for devising a very enjoyable short walking holiday.”
Mr Cartwright, UK
“Really enjoyed meeting the people at the bed and breakfasts, and the pubs. All the owners of the B and B's were great, especially Painswick, Tomarton and Leonard Stanley.”
Mr Johnson, USA
“Brilliant walking - quite challenging with so many ups and downs but worth it for the views. Good range of accommodation - varied and interesting each day to discover our room and where to get food. We had no problems at all, only vaguely lost the route once; all the accommodation was fine; the weather was on our side.”
Ms Morgan, UK
“Despite the fact that I fell on day 2 and had to take taxis between towns instead of walking the path, we had a great time! We enjoyed walking in the towns and local paths as much as we could. The "emergency contact people" did a great job helping us modify our trip as needed, even over a bank holiday weekend. We were very impressed with how well organized everything was.”
Ms Kavanagh, USA
Find your holiday